Scene 1

The rebel camp near Shrewsbury.

(Hotspur; Worcester; Douglas; First Messenger; Sir Richard Vernon)

Hotspur receives news that his father, Northumberland, is sick, and therefore cannot join them. He is incensed, and Worcester grows worried that people will think it is merely a convenient excuse and cease their support. Still, Hotspur sees it as an opportunity: the fewer they are, the greater the honor. News of the royalist forces’ approach arrives: Prince John, Prince Hal, and the King himself are all moving towards the rebels, and Glendower will not be able to join them for another two weeks. Despite this, Hotspur urges everyone on. (143 lines)